Stephen began his career as a judicial clerk for Florida Supreme Court Justice Stephen H. Grimes. Prior to founding Bajo | Cuva | Cohen | Turkel, he was a shareholder in the litigation department of a full service Tampa law firm.

Education

Florida State University College of Law, J.D., with honors, 1992

Intern for Judge William Stafford, U.S. District Court, Northern District of Florida

Notable Client Work

Represented energy company in same-sex harassment suit, successfully defending company through jury trial.

Represented public company in contract dispute with its former Chief Operating Officer who sought damages in excess of $1 million; successfully defended the case, receiving a jury finding which voided the contract, and a jury award on the company’s counterclaims against the executive and his wife for civil theft.

Represented securities broker dealer in connection with an attempted hostile takeover by its former president; obtained injunctive relief in state court and an arbitration award in excess of $1 million (including punitive damages) against the former executive for, among other things, fraud and theft.

Defended physician in lawsuit brought by former employer to enforce restrictive covenants, trademarks, and advertising restrictions.

Represented registered representatives in court and arbitration proceedings brought by former employers alleging violations of non-competition and non-solicitation agreements, and theft of trade secrets.